West Virginia WIC Cash Value Benefit for Fresh Produce Can Now Be Used at Farmers Markets

WEST VIRGINIA (Hinton News) - The West Virginia WIC Program monthly cash value benefits for the purchase of fresh produce will now be accepted at authorized farm stands and farmers markets in addition to WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) benefits beginning on June 1, 2024. The program is made possible by the West Virginia Department of Health’s Bureau for Public Health.

“The WIC Farm Market Direct mobile payment system has many benefits for both WV WIC participants and local farmers,” said Heidi Staats, Director of the Office of Nutrition Services. “It simplifies the purchasing process for participants, reduces stigma by functioning like other mobile pay options, streamlines payments to farmers and farmers markets, provides real-time data for review and analysis, and ensures efficient and secure management of federal funds and benefits.”

The WIC monthly cash value benefits for fresh produce are $26 for child participants, $47 for pregnant and postpartum participants, and $52 for fully and partially breastfeeding participants. The FMNP maximum benefit is $30 for eligible WIC participants to be spent June 1 through October 31.

WV WIC and WIC FMNP participants will have a QR Code through the WICShopper Mobile App, allowing for electronic transactions with authorized farmers market vendors. Through WIC Farm Market Direct, authorized farmers scan the QR Code to initiate the purchasing process of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Farmers will then receive payment via direct deposit, which eliminates check processing fees. There are currently 136 farmers participating in the WV WIC program. A list of participating farmers and farmers markets is available on the WV WIC website.

For more information about the WV WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, visit dhhr.wv.gov/WIC/Pages/Farmers-Market.aspx.

Farmers interested in becoming an approved WV WIC vendor may visit dhhr.wv.gov/WIC/retailersfarmers or contact the WV WIC Vendor Unit at 304-558-1115 or dhhrwicvu@wv.gov. To view and apply for careers in the public health field, visit dhhr.wv.gov/Pages/Career-Opportunities.aspx.

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